BLM Accused of Attempting to Eradicate Wild Horse Populations

DENVER (CBS4) – Legal battles are intensifying over the management of wild horse populations in Wyoming, with accusations against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for allegedly attempting to eradicate these federally protected animals. Two cases were presented to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, highlighting the complex issues surrounding land management and wild horse protection.

Private Landowners and Wild Horse Removal

The first case involves private landowners requesting the BLM to remove wild horses that cross into private property. Some organizations argue this is an excuse to eliminate wild horses from both private and public lands, particularly in the Wyoming checkerboard area, which consists of unfenced land alternating between private and public ownership.

“We’re in court today to defend wild horses from a concerted assault on their freedom by the Rock Springs Grazing Association and other public lands ranchers who essentially want public lands to themselves for taxpayer-subsidized livestock grazing and they want to wipe out the wild horses that are federally protected on our public lands,” said Suzanne Roy with the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign).

The Rock Springs Grazing Association claims the BLM has failed to manage the wild horse population effectively due to politics, financial constraints, and program difficulties. They argue that the agreement made 40 years ago to allow horses to graze up to a certain number has not been honored, and now they want the horses removed.

State of Wyoming's Lawsuit Against BLM

The second case involves the state of Wyoming suing the BLM, demanding the removal of hundreds of horses from federal land. The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) supports the BLM, arguing that the agency should decide on horse removal based on current ecological data rather than outdated population numbers.

“The government and we are saying that the BLM has clear discretion to determine whether or not horses need to be removed and that an arbitrary number established 20 years ago is not sufficient justification for removing horses,” said Roy.

Eric Peterson, Wyoming's Senior Assistant Attorney General, acknowledged the complexity of the case, emphasizing the need to balance wild horse herd maintenance with private landowners' rights.

“The BLM’s responsibility is to maintain a viable horse population on the range, as required by law, while respecting private landowners' rights. I think the U.S. Federal Government has done a good job of striking a balance here,” Peterson stated.

A decision on both cases is expected in the coming weeks.

Originally posted by CBS Denver